At this point, you have probably been observed by both your URI instructors and your CTs. Take a few minutes to reflect on the feedback you've received. What have been your strengths and what challenges in your teaching will you need to address during the second half of your student teaching?
- So far my evaluations have gone quite well. The first was an observation during my 'Osmosis in Gummy Bears' lab. I received very high marks and the feedback was extremely generous. I would have to say that during that particular lab toward the end of the period the students were running out of things to do because they "whizzed" right through the lab. I did have enough planned but because one part was gathering class wide data this became a little noisy as I was just having individual groups read off their findings. From that day forward I have always made a data table on the board that students would physically come up and put their information on. This gets them out of their seats and everybody is involved at once. However, order still needs to be maintained during this time so it is done in an organized fashion and with concise directions.
- My second evaluation was during a day that I was giving a quiz, showing an introductory video and giving notes to go along with the video. During the video there were two girls that had their heads resting on their arms as they watched. I made sure during the video to make my rounds around the classroom and also kept a close eye on the girls resting their heads. I did make sure they were watching and could always see that they were engaged in the movie. I talked about this with Maurice and he gave some advice explaining that he liked the fact that I made sure they were watching but to make my life a little easier in the high school to just not allow heads on arms or desks. He explained that they are very tired in the morning and if I allowed them to "rest" their heads during the movie that they would easily fall asleep and then that would be another hurdle to jump over.
- Overall, my evaluations went very well. I am excited to begin my second half of student teaching at North Kingstown High School.